Daily
Ocala
Thursday, January 15th, 2026
Good morning, Ocala. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 15th of January.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Construction crews are finishing a major expansion at Ocala Skate Park (Northeast 9th Street) that adds over 6,000 sqft of skateable terrain including a competition bowl and snake run. Approved last March and costing nearly $1 million, the project will wrap up next month. WCJB
- ➤ Ocala natives Vincent and Katy Alexander competed on NBC’s game show The Wall on Jan. 12 and won nearly $200,000; the firefighter-paramedic and occupational therapist faced a high-stakes challenge that offered a chance at $12 million. Ocala Gazette
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Ocala native Jackie Kay III will star as Tony Raymond in the sports comedy Signing Tony Raymond, which will open in select theaters Friday, Jan. 16 — a film that draws on his Marion County roots to capture his role as a college coach tasked with recruiting a top high school defensive end. Ocala-News
- ➤ Organizers announced that the annual McIntosh 1890’s Festival is canceled due to declining participation and increased costs — Friends of McIntosh will continue to host other community events such as food and clothing giveaways. WCJB
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ A 224-acre horse training facility known for Kentucky Derby winners was sold for $6.5 million on January 1 at 14840 W State Road 40 to D & B Scanlon Holdings, featuring an irrigated racetrack, six barns, and extensive equestrian amenities near the World Equestrian Center. Ocala-News
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ The city is hosting an adult co-ed kickball league at Ocala Regional Sportsplex (3500 SW 67th Ave) on Mondays from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. beginning Feb. 9 until April 7; teams must have at least four women and pay $250 with registration closing Feb. 2. Ocala-News
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Cherokee Jazz and Rock Night
6-9 p.m. — The Pavilion at Green Gaits — Free entry — Enjoy smooth saxophone melodies and keyboard classics in a lively jazz and rock performance.
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Free Movie: Rocky
12-2 p.m. — Epic Theatres of Ocala — Free entry — Experience the inspiring classic 'Rocky' and witness the power of perseverance and self-belief.
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Mid Florida Truck and Tractor Pull
12:00 AM — Southeastern Livestock Pavilion — Adults $20, Kids $10, 6 & under free — Experience the thrill of roaring engines and powerful machines in a local favorite event.
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Car & Craft Show
10 AM – 2 PM — The Arc of Marion — $15 cars, $10 crafts — Celebrate creativity and vehicles while supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities.
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Little Shop of Horrors Opening Night
5:30-7 p.m. — Ocala Civic Theatre, Inc. — Drinks available — Enjoy a pre-show gathering with the director on opening night of a beloved musical.
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JUCO Baseball Showcase 2026
9 AM - 3 PM — College of Central Florida Ocala Campus — Registration fee required — A one-day event for high school players to showcase their skills to JUCO coaches.
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Brick City Bluegrass Festival
7 p.m. — Ocala Citizens' Circle — Tickets available now — Enjoy live performances from your favorite bluegrass artists at this year's festival.
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Special Olympics Florida
All day — Florida Horse Park — Free entry — Celebrate athleticism and inclusion at the Special Olympics in Ocala.
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Little Shop of Horrors Live Performance
2:00 – 4:30 PM — Ocala Civic Theatre, Inc. — Ticket prices vary — Experience the hilarious and thrilling story of Seymour and his eccentric plant in this beloved musical.
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First Time Home Buyer Workshop
5-9 p.m. — Southeastern Livestock Pavilion SELP — Free entry — Gain expert insights and resources to make your home buying journey smooth and successful.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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Reveal the authorAbout Daily Ocala
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